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A Nebraska Whiplash Lawyer Discusses Possible Compensation After an Accident
At first, it might seem like this is a minor injury, but the repercussions of whiplash or whiplash-associated disorders (WAD) go beyond physical pain. Many people also experience mental and emotional stress, the inability to move about freely, work disruptions and lost wages, and much more.
You might feel overwhelmed, but you’re not alone. Our experienced Nebraska whiplash injury lawyers are ready to help. Beck & Beck Attorneys will walk you through your options and explain the legal process, including the different types of whiplash compensation you might be eligible for in your specific situation.
Whiplash Is Common But Severity and Effects Vary
Even seemingly minor accidents can cause a whiplash injury that impacts your daily life. According to the Mayo Clinic, “whiplash that involves injuries to bony or soft tissue in the neck can lead to a variety of clinical manifestations, including neck pain, stiffness, sensorimotor dysfunction, psychological disturbance, disequilibrium, cognitive issues, sleep disturbance, and pain in other parts of the body.”
The health center also states that an estimated 50 percent of individuals with whiplash experience chronic pain for months and even years after the initial injury, and 30 percent of those patients experience moderate to severe pain along with significant disability.
So after a collision that wasn’t your fault, you shouldn’t shy away from hiring a car accident attorney. Our legal team knows how to evaluate your case and determine what type of economic and non-economic damages you may be entitled to handle medical bills, lost wages, ongoing rehabilitation, and more.
Types of Compensation You Might Be Eligible for With a Whiplash Injury
First, you must pursue a legal claim. If the negligent driver can be proven liable, they’ll be responsible for your damages, payable either through insurance negotiations or through court. Here are some of the most common types of possible compensation for Nebraska whiplash injuries.
Medical Bills
WADs are graded on a scale of 0 to 4. Muscle spasms, pain, weakness, headaches, and more can be symptoms of whiplash, which can impact movement and everyday function, but the higher grade includes more significant issues, such as neurological problems and displaced bones in the neck. Long-term and permanent injuries are also eligible for higher damages.
Medical costs may include:
- Emergency room care
- Doctor visits and follow-ups
- Radiology
- Labs
- Medication
- Chiropractic care
- Physical therapy
- Future medical care
Lost Wages
A less severe injury can result in missing days, weeks, or months of wages from work, but a more serious whiplash injury could permanently affect a person’s ability to work long-term. At Beck & Beck, we understand how frustrating it is to miss out on your paychecks because of a whiplash injury, so we’ll work diligently to pursue maximum recovery.
Emotional and Mental Trauma
Along with stress and anxiety, some people experience PTSD and other mental and emotional health struggles after a car accident. Our highly skilled Nebraska whiplash lawyers can help ensure these aspects are considered in your case.
Pain, Suffering, and Other Non-Economic Damages
The severity of your injury, the amount of time it takes to heal, and how it impacts your daily life are also considerations in awarding damages. Pain and suffering can impact many areas, including how you care for your family, perform everyday tasks and self-care, interact in relationships and socially, and more. Loss of enjoyment of life can be factored into your case as well.
How Whiplash Compensation Is Calculated
Economic damages such as medical bills, lost wages, and property damages are calculated with documentation and evidence of the various costs. Non-economic damages are commonly assessed by using either:
- The multiplier method, in which the non-economic damages are multiplied by a number determined for the economic damages.
- The per diem method, which assesses the value of damages on a per-day basis.
Is There an Average Payout for Whiplash?
The figures for whiplash damages vary widely. The median payout in the U.S. is around $7,500, with many cases being resolved between $10,000 and $20,000. The general range is between $10,000 and $100,000 because of the different factors involved and based on the severity of the injury. Life-altering cases involving disability could potentially be settled for compensation ranging from $1 to $5 million.
Your skilled team at Beck & Beck Attorneys works closely with you to determine the maximum amount you can seek compensation for in your specific case. We strive to produce effective results and help you feel justice has been served after your accident.